Display container



June 29, 1943. J'. v. HoRR DISPLAY CONTAINER Filed Dec. 19, 1940 4 Sheets-Sheet l ATTORNEYS `lune 29, 1943. J. v.l HORR 2,322,849

DISPLAY CONTAINER Filed Dec. 19, 1940 4\sheetssheet 2 INVENTOR. Jouw V. HORA.

June 29, 1943. J. v. HoRR 2,322,849

DISPLAY CONTAINER Filed Dec. 19, 1940 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. Jomv M Home C: NHA ii( Z 6 TRIVEYS.A

June 29, 1943. J, v, HQRR 2,322,849

' DISPLAY CONTAINER Filed Deofle, 1940 4 sheets-sheet 4 INVENTOR.

do/1N V. Hoax.

A Tok/vers Patented June 29, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT-OFFICE DISPLAY CONTAINER John V. Hcrr, Hastings on Hudson, N. Y., assignor to Einson-Freeman Co., Inc., Long Island City, V

N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application December 19, 1940, Serial No. 370,741`

(Cl. ZGB- 44) Claims.

. My present invention relates generally to receptacles, and has particular reference to a display container.l l l y The type of device to which my invention is primarily directed is of the cardboard variety, adapted to accommodate articles of merchandise that are packed into it by the manufacturer. When the container is received by the retailer, it is intended to be placed upon a counter in an opened condition, thereby making the merchandise available to prospective purchasers.

In receptacles of this general character, it is desirable that a display panel be provided for, so as to enliven the appearance of the box when the merchandise is exposed for sale, and to advertise or otherwise draw attention to the merchandise. f

4One of theobjects ofthe present invention is to provide a means whereby a hinged lid, when lifted into an upright position, thereby exposing and displaying the contents of the box, will automatically be retained in its elevated position. This desirable result is achieved, by means of the present improved design, without calling upon the user of the boxk to do anything more than to lift the hinged lid from `a normal closed position to an upright open position. The underside of the lid serves as a` display surface which has been previously embellished or printed, and

the simple act of lifting the hinged lid serves to place the container into immediate readiness for usevon the counter.

Another object is to provide a means whereby the upward movementk of the lid is automatically limited:tolan extent which arranges the lid in a predetermined proper display position.

It is a feature of my invention to control the coverr by a simple frictional expedient which requires no extraneous parts and entails no manufacturing complications, relying solely upon the inherent capabilities and characteristics of the cardboard of which the container is made` `A- furtherobject of the invention is to providev for theforegoing advantages and capabilities in a manner whereby they maybe incorporated in a container or box of the so-called knock-down variety. lIn 'such a device, the entire structure is adapted to be formed of dat sheet material, such as cardboard, cut and shaped toallow the parts to be readily set up into operative relationships. In one of the preferred embodiments of the invention, `the container is composed of two blanks of` cardboard; in another it is formed in its entirety of, only asingle piece. i

:I` achieve theforegoing objects, and such other objects as mayhereinafter appear or be pointed out, in the manner illustratively exemplified in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure l is a perspective view of a container constructed in accordance with the present invention and shown in closed condition;

Figure 2 is a similar view, showing the lid or cover thrown back into open position;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 showing the device as it appears from the rear; l

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary crosssectionalview taken substantially along the line 4-4 of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sec- Figure 9 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view through a slightly modified construction;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view, taken substantially along the line Il-Il of Figure 10;

Figure l2 is a similar cross-sectional view, showing the box in closed condition;

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional View taken subi stantially along the line l3-l3 of Figure 11; and Figure 14 is a plan view of the blank entering into the construction ofFigures 10-13.

The boxes I have chosen to illustrate are substantially square and shallow," although it will be understood'that wide variations in size and pro` portions are feasible, depending upon the nature of the merchandise intended to be accommodated within the box.

In all of the present drawings, I have shown the container in an empty condition, `but it will be understood that, in actual practice, the container will be lled with merchandise that can be shipped and stored while the box'is closed, and

displayed when the lid is thrown back.

The structural nature of the container illustrated in Figures 1-9,` can best be described in connection with Figures 7 and 8.

A single blank of suitable sheet material, suchl as` cardboard, is cut and shaped to define the various panels and sections shown most clearly in Figure 7. Hinged at 24 to the panel 20, ultimately constituting the bottom wall, are the successively hinged panels 25, 26, and 2l. The panels 25 and 25` are ultimately intended to be doubled upon themselves along the line 28 to form the front wall of the box. The panel 2l is an extension intended ultimately to lie over the bottom wall 2Q. v

At its opposite ends, the panel 25 is provided with the flaps 25J. and Sil, the hinge lines 3| and 32 serving ultimately to denne the front vertical edges of the container.

Hinged to the bottom Wall 20, along the line 33, are the successively hinged panels 34, 35i, and 36. The panels 34 and 35 are ultimately to be doubled upon themselves along the hinge line 3l to define a two-ply side wall of the container. The panel 3B is ultimately intended to lie flat upon the bottom wall 20. Attached to the iront end of the panel 35 is the flap 38. The hinge line 39 ultimately lies alongside of the hinge line 3l.

Hinged to the bottom Wall 2li, along the oppo site'line 4Q, are the panels 4l', 42', and 43, and the ilap which correspond tothe elements 34, 35, 35, and 38, respectively.

The rear wall of the box is defined by the panel 23 which ishinged to the bottom wall 2li along the line Q6. At' each end; theA panel 23' is provided with the' hingedv tabs 44;. The hinge lines 48 define there'arfvertic'aledgesfof the box when the structure: is set vup' andthe lid is in closed position.

For a purpose presently to be' explained. each of the tabs 4l is substantially trapezoidalv in shape, i. e., the upper edge 49 converges toward the opposite edge.

Referring now to Figure 8, it will bey observed that the panel 50, intended to server as thelid of the container, is hingedy along" the line 5 lto the element 52, andthe latter portionhas rectangular end flaps-53l and a. hinged extension 54,-..

yThe element of Figure Bisfassoclated-With thel element of Figure "I by means of the connecting panel 2l. This panel isv hinged, as at 22, tothe upper edge of the rea-r wall 2-3, and isprovided with the hinged extension 2l' adapted to engage with the: outer surface of the lid 5B'. This enngagementinay be accomplished infvarieus ways, and have illustra-tively'shown; the possibility of applying an ladhesive tothe extensionV 2 l, whereby this extension may be adhesively secured to the midportion of the lid 50. v

.Under certain circumstances, the connecting panel 2 lmight be madey coex-tensive in area with the lid' 59, andv in such an event, the panel 2l might beformed, if desired, of one'piece with the lid 50, being hinged to it along the free edges of the elements 2| and 5B.

In either case, the portion 52 ofthe cardboard element shown in Figure `8 will be arranged in front of the rear wall 23. so that the hinge line 5i lies in substantial registry with. the hinge line 22 while the hinge line 55 lies in substantial registry with the hinge line 45. The width of they element 52, however, is very slightly smaller than the width of the rear wall 23, so that the connecting Y panel 2l is normally in contactv with the lid 5i! when the container is in closed positionl as, shown in Figures 1 and e.

In setting up the box, the rear wall 23 is first folded upwards along the line` 4G. This necessitates that the blank of Fgure be folded along the line 55, thereby laying the extension 553 alongthe rear portion of the bottom wall 26. The ilaps 53 and the tabs 4l are then bent forwardly along the hinge lines 48 and 56.

The next step is to swing the panel 25 upwards lll vand to swing the lla-ps 28 and 30 into rearward directions.

The .side walls of the container are then set up. This involves first folding the panels 34 and 4i upwards, and then folding the panels 35 and i2 downwards into the box, thereby bringing the extensions 35 and 43 into positions lying flatwise over the bottom wall 2G. During this procedure, the flaps 53 and the tabs tl, and the flaps 29 and are engaged in sandwiched relationship between the two plies of the side Walls. Also, the flaps 33 and lil are brought into positions parallel to and directly behind the front panel 25.

The final step 'is to fold the panel 28 into the box, thereby catching the flaps 38 and lillY and disposing the extension 21 along the bottom wall of the box. y

With the box thus set up, it is ready to be filled with articles of merchandise, and, when lled, the cover is swung downwardly into the position of Figure l. The filled container is then .ready for storage or shipment.

When it is ready for use as a display container, the box is placed on the counter, and the lid is swung into the display position of Figures 2 and 3.

Because of the nature of the present construction, and the association of parts hereinbefore described, the cover of the container is automatically caused to be held in its lifted position. The way this is accomplished is shown most clearly in Figures 2-6. v

rlhe rear wall 23, by virtue of its hinged connection to the rearV edge ofthe bottom wall 20, is mounted for swinging movement about a hinge axisV coincident with the lowerv rear edge of the box.

hinge axis (the line 5l) Which isparallel to and elevated above said rear lower edge; This anchorage results from the fact that the flaps 53 arev engaged by thek side walls of the container, and

served that the engagement of the connecting panel 2| with the lid 50 serves to lock these parts against relative sliding movement. It makes no:

difference, in this regard,'whether the panel 2| is smaller than the lid 50, as shown in the present drawings, or whether it is of equal size; and it makes no difference whether the panel1 2l is adiiesively secured to the lid 5U, as in the present case, or whether it is formed in one piece with the lid or otherwise attached to it. As a result of the impossibility ofy relative sliding movement, the act of lifting the lid from the position of Figure 4 to the position of Figure 5 brings about a rearward movement of the rear wall 23, this Wall swinging about the line 46 as a hinge axis.

The present invention takes advantage of this rearward movement,'and provides a means that can be controlledr by this movement for limiting for the sake of symmetry and balance, two are f One of these tabs is snugly accom- I nlodated between the plies 34 and 35 of one of preferable.

By .means of the present construction, thel lid 50 is anchored to the side Walls of the boxl so as. to allow a swinging movement. about a the side walls. These plies are joined together along the top edge 31, and define a rearwardly-- opening friction pocket within which the tab 41 is slidable. Whenv the wall 23 moves rearwardly intofthe position shown `in Figures 2, 3, and 5,v the'tab41 is swung arcuately upwards into thel relatively confined region of this frictionpocket,

i.` e., the region directly beneath the top edge of the side wall.v Thisregion ofthe'frictionpooket The Aupper end of eachv friction pocket serves asfan abutment, arranged inthe pathof movementof the upper edge of the corresponding tab,

whereby the upward swinging movement of the lid is limited to a predetermined extent.

The upper edge 49 of the'tab 41 is preferably convexly shaped so that at least a portion of it lies in the con'ned` region of the friction pocket at alltimes. In'laying out the contourof the edge 49, the curvature of the portion nearest the hinge line 48 has its center at the junction between the lines 48 and 46, and the `tangential'V straight portion of the edge 49 is laid outatan anglewhich'is determined by the rearmost position to which the display panel 50 is to ibe pushed when the box is used.

It is quite feasible, however, though notas efficient, to lay out the upper edge of the tab 41 along a straight line. This is shown in Figure 9, in whichthe upper edge 49 of the tab 41 is devoid of any curvature.

Obviously, the container may be closed, when desired, by merely swinging the cover downwards again; and one of the advantages of the invention lies in the fact that the box can be opened and closed any number of times, as conditions may require, and that the cover will automatically remain up whenever it is raised to open position.

In Figures -14, I have illustrated a modified structure in which thev lid is anchored in a different manner, in which the frictional engagement of the tabs is of a different character, and in which the entire structure can be formed of a single blank of cardboard or the like.

Referring first to Figure 14, it will be observed that the bottom wall 60 is hinged along its rear edge 6|, to the rear wall 62. Hinged to the upper edge 63 of the rear wall is the connecting panel 64 which carries the extension 65. The trapezoidal tabs 66 are hinged, as at 61, to the ends of the rear wall 62. The upper edge of each tab 66 has a convexed portion 68 lying adjacent to the hinge line E1, and arelatively straight portion 63. There is a step or shoulder between each curved portion 68 and the adjacent straight portion 69.

.To the forward edge 10 of the bottom wall is hinged the front wall 1l. .At its ends, this wall is provided with the hinged flaps 12,

Hinged to the upper edge 13 of the front wall is a panel of .trarne-like character comprising the end strips 14 and 15, and the lateral portions 76. Hinged to these lateral portions are the side walls 11, and cach of these walls is, in turn, provided with a hinged ap 18.

Hinged to the strip l5, along the line 19, is the lid 80.

After this blank has been formed, it is folded upon itself to bring the hinge line`19 into substantial registry with the hinge line 63,and an engagement is then effected between the connecti ing panel 64 and the lid 8U. This may be accomplishedin any suitable manner, but I prefer to apply adhesive to the extension 65, and to secure this extension to the midportionicf the lid 80,

shown most clearly in` Figures l0 'and l1.

The assembly of the box is completed in a very simple manner, by merely folding the tabs 66 along the lines 61 to bring them into substantially parallel planes, by 4similarly folding the aps 12' into substantially parallel planes, and finally' i-ucking` the iiaps 18 into the positions shown in Figure 13.

The parts are so designed that the connecting panel 64 lies over and in Contact withl the lid when' the box isfin the closed position shown in Figure l2.

It will be observed that the rear wall 62, as in the previous construction, is mounted for swinging movement about the hinge axis 6I. which is coincident with the lower rear edge ofthe con-r tainer. Also, the lid 3U is anchored to they side walls of the container so as to allow a swinging movement about the hinge axis 19, which is parallel to and elevated above said rear lower edge.A

The anchorage oi the lid is in this case accomplishedby means of the strip 15 which extends across the boxand connects the side walls 11, the

lid 80 being hinged to this strip.

When the box is to be opened, for the display of its contents on a counter or the like, the lid 80 is swung upwardly into the position shown in Figures 10, 1l, and 13. For the reasons hereinbefore described, this swinging movement of the lid automatically brings about a rearward swinging of the rear wall 62. trapezoidal tabs 66 arcuately upwards. During this movement, the upper edge portion 68 of each tab presses frictionally against the undersurface of the strip 15. While this frictional engagement is sufficient to retain the lid in any partially opened position, it is contemplated that the lid will be swung back far enough to bring the straight portion |59v of each tab against the underside of the strip 15 and of the overhang 16. When this limiting position is reached, the curved rear portion of each tab will have snapped into the position of Figure 11, thereby locking the lid against return movement.

It will be understood that one of the tabs 66 would be suflicient for the present purpose, but that the provision of two tabs contributes to a desirable symmetry and to balanced operation.

In general, it will be understood that those skilled in the art may make changes in the details herein described and illustrated without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims. It is, therefore. intended that these details be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described my invention and illustrated its use, what Iclaim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a cardboard display container, a bottom wall, side walls, a rear wall hinged to the rear edge of the bottom wall, a lid, means anchoring the lid to said side Walls to allow swinging movement about a hinge axis parallel to and above the lower rear edge of the container, means interconnecting said lid and rear wall for swinging the rear wall rearwardly when the lid is lifted, and means controlled by said rear wall for retaining said lid in lifted position, said anchoring This, in turn, swings the means comprising a strip extending across ther container and connecting the upper edges of said side walls, said lid being hinged to said strip.

2. In a cardboard display container, a bottom wall, side walls, a rear wall, hinged to the rear edge of the bottom wall, a lid, means anchoring the lid to said side walls to allow swinging movement about a hinge axis parallel to and above the e lower rear edge of the container, means interconnecting said lid and rear wall for swinging the rear wall rearwardly when the lid is lifted, and means controlled by said rear wall for retaining said lid in lifted position, said anchoring means comprising flaps engaging the side walls, and an element lying in front of the rear wall and connecting said flaps, said lid being hinged to said element.

3. In a cardboard display container, side walls, a rear wall mounted for swinging movement about a hinge axis coincident with the lower rear edge of the container, a strip extending across the container and connecting the upper edges of said side walls, a lid hinged to said strip for swinging movement about a 'hinge axis parallel to and above said lower rear edge, means interconnecting said lid and rear wall for swinging the rear wall rearwardly when the lid is lifted, and means controlled by said rear wall for retaining said lid in lifted position, said last-named means comprising a tab projecting forwardly from one end ofthe rear Wall and havin-gl a convexedi upperY edge adapted to engage frictionally with the-'underside of ,said strip.

4. Ina cardboard display container, side walls,

a rearwall mountedy for swinging movement about a hinge axis coincident with the. lower rear edge of; thef container, a stripextendingacross; the container and connecting the upper edges of saidfside walls, a lid hing/ed to said strip for swingingv movementA about a hinge axis par-V allel to and abovevsaid lower rear edge, means interconnecting said lid and'` rear wall for swing.- ing the rear wall rearwardly when theflid is lifted, and means controlled byv said rear wall for limiting the upward swing of the lid and'retain ing it in lifted position, said last-named means comprising a tab projecting forwardly from one end of the rear wall and having a convexed up-v of a bottom wall anda front wall, said bottom Wall, front; wall, rear wall, side Walls, and lid being integral portions of a single blank of cardboard.`

, JOHN V. HORR. 

